Some Random Thoughts

1. “Global warming.” “Climate change.” Are these scientific issues? Or are they political issues?

They are both. But they are primarily political issues. The proof of this? Most conservatives and Republicans believe they are bogus, or exaggerated. Most liberals and Democrats believe they are genuine.

If these were mostly scientific issues, why would there be such a split along party lines?

2. Next year’s mid-term election: Expect the President and Democrats to try to move toward the center and soon. If they do not, it would seem the Republicans could run on a simple message. “Elect us and we will reverse all the stuff that got voted in last year.”

They could win on such a message. That is because sizeable majorities of the public opposed most of the big issues. Most Americans oppose more help and handouts to big unions. Most oppose cap and trade taxes. Most oppose healthcare reform. Most oppose the slush fund aspects of the stimulus package.

The President has noted he was not elected to be Mr. Popularity. Correct. But guys in Congress are. Every two years they have to test their popularity with voters. Currently Barney Frank is sweating. Chris Dodd is behind in the polls. So is Harry Reid. So is Arlen Specter.

They will hope to regain popularity by moving toward the center. And moving toward the center may be their only chance.

3. Was the President’s big jobs summit this week a serious matter? Or was it a PR circus instead?

To answer that, let us ask why the guys who create the most jobs in America were not invited. The Chamber of Commerce represents countless small and mid-sized businesses. So does the National Federation of Independent Businesses. They did not attend.

Meanwhile, executives from big unions came. When is the last time we saw big unions create jobs? A number of big time academics (who gave to the President’s campaign) came to the summit. Right.

Our jobs machine has long been small and mid-sized businesses. You might think they would be the first ones invited to a jobs summit. You would be wrong.

4. If you don’t think we are ruled by an elite, consider the President’s motorcade in China. Over 170 limousines long. Consider that various cabinet members get whisked around Washington in mini-motorcades of limos. Traffic is held up and held up and held up to wait for their eminences to pass.

Consider that few members of Congress have ever run a business. Many have never worked in one. Most are millionaires. Many became so after going to Washington, hint, hint.

The Kennedys did not carry money. All their lives they were shadowed by aides who paid for what they needed. I doubt whether any of them ever bought groceries, ever stepped into a shop, ever pumped their gas.

Many – if not most – of our political leaders have worked all their lives in politics and only politics. Interesting thought to dwell on.

From Tom ... as in Morgan.

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